21 Money Saving Challenges (The Quick & Painless Way to Save) (2024)

The BEST money-saving challenges you need to try today!

Are you in need of some extra cash and looking for creative ways to save? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best money-saving challenges that are sure to help you reach your financial goals.

Whether it’s an emergency fund, paying off debt, or just growing your nest egg, these foolproof tactics will guide you every step of the way. So, if you want to learn more about how to make the most out of what you have and start raking in those savings, this is the post for you.

Let’s get started!

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We’ve all been there..

We struggle to put away money every month, and some months, we spend more than we make.

Let’s make this a thing of your past!

If you’re a little hesitant to start a saving challenge, I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t be. Money-saving challenges can be downright fun and addicting.. after all, who doesn’t LOVE watching their own money grow?

We love saving so much that we took it upon ourselves to find the best money-saving challenges for YOU!

What Is A Money Saving Challenge?

A money saving challenge is an excellent way to jumpstart your financial journey and set you on a path to success. It’s simply a commitment to yourself to save money in a specific way over a period of time. This could be anything from skipping your morning coffee for a month, setting aside money for savings each week, or even cutting out eating out for three months.

The goal is to put money away that you wouldn’t normally spend and put it towards something else that will benefit your financial future.

According to a survey, 58% of Americans feel that their finances control their life! Studies have found that those who successfully complete money saving challenges not only save money but also have an improved attitude towards their finances as well as more knowledge about how money works.

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Why Should You Try One of These Popular Money Saving Challenges?

Money saving challenges can help YOU become better at budgeting, build an emergency fund, and even teach you the basics of investing. If any of the above sounds like something you want to accomplish, savings challenges are for you!

Money saving challenges aren’t just about numbers either; they can also teach money management skills such as delayed gratification, responsibility with spending, and learning when it is okay to splurge (within reason).

With determination and focus, money saving challenges can provide an effective tool for those trying to reach their goals of becoming financially independent or simply better managing their day-to-day expenses.

By understanding the basics of good money habits, you’ll be able to develop long-term strategies to improve your overall financial well-being and set yourself up for life-long financial success!

If money savings challenges aren’t your thing, I understand! Here are other creative ways to save money:

  • How to Live Cheap and Still Thrive
  • 50 Genius Frugal Living Tips You Should Adopt to Save Money
  • 100 Frugal Meals You Can Make On A Small Budget
  • The Best Free Debt Tracker Printable

20 Money-Saving Challenges You Must Try

Here are 20 great money challenges you must try today!

1. 52 Week Savings Challenge

Check out this fun savings challenge chart! Money challenges couldn’t get any simpler than with this 52-week money savings challenge printable if you are looking to put money away slowly over the course of a year, slowly. This 12-month saving plan is the challenge for you!

This is a dollar-a-week saving and one of my favorite 52-week challenges! Make sure to give it a try.

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2. 100 Envelope Challenge

The 100 envelope challenge is a simple money saving challenge that makes saving money fun. The goal of the envelope challenge is to save $5000 in as little as 100 days.

Here is a quick breakdown of the 100-envelope challenge:

  • Number your envelopes 1 through 100
  • Mix up the envelopes (if you choose to)
  • Put the envelopes in a container
  • Every day, select an envelope
  • Fill the envelope with the money amount on the front
  • In 100 days, you’ll have over $5000

3. 365 Day Penny Challenge Reverse

This money-saving challenge is a penny challenge but in reserve. Yes, this is a reverse challenge, meaning you’ll be saving more money in the beginning, and then towards the end of the saving challenge, you’ll be adding less and less every day/week.

This one-year saving challenge will have you saving over $600 by the end of the year.

Head over to DIY with my Guy for more details and your free penny challenge printable.

4. 8-Week Vacation Savings Plan

Are you heading on vacation or just looking to put away some cash quickly? If so, this is one of my favorite money challenges to save money fast. Best of all, if completed correctly, you can save $1000 in 8 weeks!

Yes, that’s a whole lot of money in a short period of time, but when going on vacation, you’ll need it. This weekly savings challenge will prepare you for any last-minute vacation or event.

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Grab your free saving challenge printable and learn more over at The Soccer Mom Blog.

5. 365 Day Saving Challenge

What if I told you that saving your change for a year would make you over $650? Some money challenges take things to the extreme, expecting you to save a lot of MONEY from the get-go, but not this one. If you’re starting out on your first money-saving challenge, this one-year money challenge is a great place to start!

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Head over to Mission to Save to learn more and print off your free printable.

6. 26-Week Money Challenge

This is a biweekly money-saving challenge. If you are looking for a money challenge that you contribute to biweekly (when you get paid), this is for YOU.

Follow along with this challenge, and you’ll save $1400+ throughout the year. This is a great one-year saving challenge.

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Learn more over at Saving Our Money and snag your free 26-week money challenge printable.

7. 3-Month Savings Money Challenge

This three-month money challenge is quick and painless. Every week, you put away the same amount of money. After 12 weeks, you will have saved yourself a nice little chunk of money.

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Read more about this money savings chart and grab this free savings list challenge.

8. The Penny Challenge

Do you have pennies lying around your home? If so, give this penny challenge a try. Better yet, this is a great challenge for younger children to participate in. This would be a great challenge for them to do alongside you while you tackle a bigger challenge.

Find a container and add a penny to it; add one penny more every day than you did the day before. At the end of the year, you will have saved $667.95. How awesome is that!!

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Read more about this challenge at Smart School House and grab your free penny challenge printable.

9. The 26 Paycheck Money Saving Challenge

Like us, If you budget by paycheck, this is the money challenge you want to participate in. You add money every paycheck vs. every week. This savings challenge is great because you aren’t expected to put away some ridiculous amount of money every other week.

This weekly savings plan is doable on a smaller budget.

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Learn more over at Simple Money Mom and grab your free money savings challenge.

10. The BEST $5 Savings Challenge

Have you ever heard of the $5 savings challenge before? I think most of us have. The $5 monthly savings challenge is a lot of fun! How it works is every time you get your hands on a $5 bill, you store it away somewhere safe.

YES, every time a $5 bill presents itself, you put it into your savings. Whether that be in a jar or a savings account, hide it away. At the end of the year, count how much you were able to save.

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Learn more over at Personal Finance Junkie

11. $1000 Travel Savings Plan

We all love traveling, am I right? Nothing is worse than not having the funds to enjoy your vacation fully. There is no better time to start planning for your next vacation than now!

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Head over to FITNANCIALS to learn more about this travel savings plan.

12. The No-Spend Challenge

I love no-spend weekends, and I think you will too! No-spend challenges save you a lot of money!!! I’m talking about hundreds of dollars a month. We all spend the most money on the weekend. Having a no-spend weekend cuts out those costly weekend expenses.

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Learn more about a no-spend weekend here and enjoy this AMAZING list of things you can do besides spending money.

13. One-Year Savings Challenge

Check out this saving challenge chart! Money challenges couldn’t get any simpler than with this 12-month money challenge if you are looking to put money away over the course of a year.

This 12-month saving plan is the challenge is a must try!

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Head over to Drugstore Diva and grab your FREE one-year plan printable.

14. Dime Challenge

The Dime Challenge is a money-saving challenge that can help you reach your financial goals in no time. It involves putting aside 10 cents every day for the next 100 days, and when completed, you’ll have saved over $100!

This money saving challenge is an enjoyable way to save money without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much of your hard-earned money.

If you want to get started on achieving your financial goals faster, try the Dime Challenge!

15. Expense Tracking Challenge

An expense-tracking challenge is a great money saving challenge that can help you keep track of your money and where it’s going. Grab an expense tracker and take a few minutes daily to write down your expenses. Understanding what money is coming in and where it’s going out is important.

This type of money saving challenge can help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending, leading to more money saved over time. Tracking expenses also helps ensure that money isn’t wasted on unnecessary items or activities.

To get started, grab this expense tracker!

16. The Loose Change Challenge

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The Loose Change Challenge is a money-saving challenge that is tons of fun and doesn’t require saving for an entire year! It involves collecting spare change you come across throughout the day, such as the change from purchases, money found on the ground, and money in your piggy bank, and putting it aside for however long you feel necessary.

This spare change challenge isn’t only fun! It’s a quick way to score $50-$100 bucks with little effort. If you are looking for extra money, this is one of the easiest challenges to try!

17. 6-Month Savings Challenge

The 6 Month Savings Challenge is one of the most effective money saving challenges out there. It encourages you to save money gradually and consistently so that your financial goals can be achieved over time.

This money-saving challenge involves saving $6 more every week than the week before for 6 months!

How to get started:

  • Week 1 save $6
  • Week 2 save $12
  • Week 3 save $18
  • And so on!

18. 30-Day Minimalist Challenge

Are you looking for a money saving challenge that will also help reduce clutter in your home? If so, the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge could be just what you need!

This money saving challenge encourages people to get rid of one item from their home every day for thirty days. By completing this money saving challenge, not only will you save money by reducing clutter and getting rid of unnecessary items, but it can also help increase mental clarity and create more space in your living area.

So, if you’re ready to take on a money saving challenge with the added bonus of decluttering, then give the 30-Day Minimalist Challenge a try!

19. No New Clothes Challenge

Taking a no-new clothes challenge is an excellent way to reduce your spending and save money. This money saving challenge encourages you to abstain from buying any new clothing items for a set period of time, such as 30 days or even six months.

Not only will this help you save money since you are not purchasing any new clothes, but it can also help reduce clutter in your home and give you the opportunity to wear items that may have been forgotten about in the back of your closet!

Related article: How To Score Cash For Clothes You No Longer Wear

20. Subscription Cancellation Challenge

The Subscription Cancellation Challenge encourages people to identify and cancel any unnecessary subscriptions they may be paying for. This challenge helps you take control of your finances and actively reduce money spent on things you don’t really need. Having more money at the end of the month can help you reach your financial goals faster.

To start this money saving challenge, make a list of all the subscriptions you currently have. Review each one to determine if it is necessary or if better alternatives exist.

You can also consider if the cost per month is worth the value or if you can find something cheaper elsewhere. Once you have identified what subscriptions need to be canceled, take action and free up some extra money in your budget!

21. 90-Day Christmas Saving Challenge

Are you wanting to save money for the holidays but have no idea where to start? Give your hand at our Christmas savings challenge! This challenge is simple, realistic, and easy to follow.

All you have to do is save a certain amount of money each week leading up to the holidays for 12 weeks! If you follow the Christmas saving challenge at the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll have saved $1000 for Christmas.

Don’t forget that every little bit counts. If you can’t follow along with the Christmas challenge exactly, it’s okay.

Where to Put Your Money From Your Money Saving Challenges

If you want to hold and save your money for a long-term purchase, such as an emergency fund, you will want to put your money into a high-interest savings account.

We love banking with online banks. Not only do they have high-interest rates, but our money is out of sight, out of mind.

We bank with CIT bank and highly recommend you check them out. Their rates are the best in the industry! You can check out our CIT Bank review here.

Learn More About CIT Bank Here!

If you need a safe place to keep all the money you’re saving? This is our bank of choice!

Money Challenge- Final Thoughts

After exploring the above 21 money saving challenges, you should feel inspired to take on a few for yourself. All that’s left to do is pick one – or two – that fits comfortably into your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Whether you’re saving for a house, a car, a vacation, or just want to keep money in the bank, these are all great challenges to get started with.

You will see positive results with some dedication, discipline, and good old-fashioned hard work. So don’t wait — take the plunge today and try one of these life-changing money saving challenges!

Follow us on Pinterest, and make sure to pin this article for later! =)

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21 Money Saving Challenges (The Quick & Painless Way to Save) (2024)

FAQs

What are the challenges when you are saving money? ›

7 barriers that keep us from saving money (and how to knock them down)
  • Spending too much on housing.
  • No defined budget.
  • The “I'll save when I make more money” mindset.
  • Lack of measurable savings goals.
  • Student loan payments.
  • Your comfort zone.
  • Overusing credit cards.

What is the 5 savings challenge? ›

The fiver challenge - save £7,000

This challenge works the same as the 52 week challenge, but you go up in multiples of £5 rather than £1. So week one = £5, week two = £10, all the way up to week 52 at £260. Alternatively, if you're not in the position to save these larger amounts, you could save £5 every week instead.

What is the 100 day challenge for saving money? ›

It works like this: Gather 100 envelopes and number them from 1 to 100. Each day, fill up one envelope with the amount of cash corresponding to the number on the envelope. You can fill up the envelopes in order or pick them at random. After you've filled up all the envelopes, you'll have a total savings of $5,050.

How to do $1 savings challenge? ›

How the 52-week money challenge works
  1. During your first week, you save $1.
  2. The next week, stash away $2.
  3. Increase the amount saved by $1 each week for 52 weeks — a full year.
Mar 14, 2024

What is the $20 savings challenge? ›

Recently, I created a fun printable for all of you called the $20 Savings Challenge so that everyone can learn how to save money. The $20 Savings Challenge is a great way to easily save $1,040 this year without noticing! All you have to do is save $20 each week for a year, and then you'll easily have $1,040.

What are 3 disadvantages of saving? ›

The disadvantages of using personal savings:
  • You're limited to what you can afford: your savings may only get you so far.
  • It's risky to spend all your savings: you might need your savings for a personal emergency.
  • Your responsibility for success: having more people behind your business could lead to more success.
Mar 15, 2024

What is the 1 to 100 saving challenge? ›

The 100-envelope challenge is pretty straightforward: You take 100 envelopes, number each of them and then save the corresponding dollar amount in each envelope. For instance, you put $1 in “Envelope 1,” $2 in “Envelope 2,” and so on. By the end of 100 days, you'll have saved $5,050.

What is the Save 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What is the 50 30 saving rule? ›

Key Takeaways. The 50/30/20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should be split between savings and debt repayment (20%) and everything else that you might want (30%).

How to save $1,000 in 30 days challenge? ›

11 Easy Ways to Save $1,000 in 30 Days
  1. Create a Budget. ...
  2. Automate Your Savings. ...
  3. Create a Savings Bingo Sheet. ...
  4. Negotiate Your Bills. ...
  5. Separate Wants From Needs. ...
  6. Plan Your Meals. ...
  7. Buy Generic Brands. ...
  8. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions.
Sep 26, 2023

What is the 52-week money challenge? ›

The 52-week money challenge involves saving an increasing amount of money each week for one year. The challenge can be adjusted to fit personal financial circ*mstances and goals. Opening a high-yield savings account and utilizing automated savings features can help make the challenge more manageable and successful.

How to save $5000 in 3 months? ›

How to Save $5000 in 3 Months [2024]
  1. Create a Budget and Plan.
  2. Pick up a Side Hustle.
  3. Sell Things Around Your Home.
  4. Refinance Debts.
  5. Cut Unnecessary Expenses.
  6. Reduce Living Expenses.
  7. Try an Envelope Savings Challenge.
  8. Use Cash Back Apps.
6 days ago

What is the $3 savings challenge? ›

You can complete the 52-week money challenge in three simple steps: Start by depositing $1 in week one, $2 in week two, $3 in week three and so on. Stash your cash in a high-yield savings account. Keep up the momentum by automating future savings.

What is a penny saving challenge? ›

The penny saving challenge is pretty straightforward and easy to understand. In this challenge, you can choose to save 1p per day, or you can opt to save more, such as 5p, 10p, or even 50p per day. The key is to set a target which you want to achieve and then to stick with it.

What is the 52 week method? ›

There are no complicated rules to remember. Week 1, you save $1.00. Week 2 you save $2.00, and it continues through the year, adding one more dollar to each week's savings goal. By Week 52, you'll set aside $52.00, which will bring the year's total savings to $1,378!

Why is saving money so challenging? ›

It's hard for us to save because it's difficult for our brains to think about the future in a concrete way. But there's no need to lose hope – we can either trick our minds into imagining the future more effectively, or, perhaps more realistically, we can make saving money a default option for ourselves.

What is the Save Money Challenge? ›

The 52-week money challenge involves saving an increasing amount of money each week for one year. The challenge can be adjusted to fit personal financial circ*mstances and goals. Opening a high-yield savings account and utilizing automated savings features can help make the challenge more manageable and successful.

What are the risks of saving money? ›

Savings account benefits include safety for your savings, interest earnings and easy access to your money. However, savings accounts may have drawbacks, such as variable interest rates, minimum balance requirements and fees.

What are the consequences of saving money? ›

Long-Term Security

The future is unpredictable, and financial emergencies can crop up anytime. Saving money allows you to create a safety net for your future expenses as well as unplanned financial needs. The more you save, the more peace of mind you have, as you are better prepared for anything life throws at you.

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